kidsThe Tenth Annual Sonoma County Book Festival, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009 in Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa. The theme of this year’s Festival is “Bounty of the County – Local and Sustainable Literary Arts.” As always, the Festival is free and has attractions for all ages.

In the Forum Room of the main branch of the Sonoma County Library, there will be readings and panels. Gaye LeBaron will host a panel on Sonoma County history. Another panel, “Step Mother, Rent a Mother,” pairs Izzy Rose, author of “The Package Deal: My Not So Glamorous Transition From Single Gal to Instant Mom,” with Tasha Blaine, author of “Just Like Family: Inside the Lives of Nannies.”

Dale Dougherty, editor and publisher of MAKE magazine and general manager of the Maker Media division of O’Reilly Media will talk about the magazine, the Maker Faire, and the resurgence of “do it yourself.”

Gerald Rosen reads from his newest book, “Cold Eye, Warm Heart– A Novelist’s Search for Meaning.” Critic J. Klinkowitz says, “This is the best book (written) about the American cultural transformation of the last half of the 20th century.” C. D. Payne, best known for his “Youth in Revolt” novels, will read in the Forum Room. Also reading are Bart Schneider, author of 4 novels, and Anthony Eglin author of the English Garden mysteries.

Barbara Baer, founder of local Floreant Press, reads from her novella “Grisha the Scrivener,” published by Ghost Road Press of Denver. Terry Ehret, national award winning poet, former Sonoma County Poet Laureate, and founder of Sixteen Rivers Press, will read from her work. Pediatrician Mark Sloan, M.D., conducts an exploration of the science, history, and wonder of childbirth with excerpts from his book “Birth Day.”

Throughout the day, there will be poetry or drama on the stage of Courthouse Square. Sonoma County Poet Laureate, Mike Tuggle, will read his poetry as will Vilma Ginzburg, Karl Frederick, and Gail Larrick. Beatrice Lagos will read from her latest collection “The Poet and The Sea.” Arthur Dawson, publisher of Kulupi Press, editor of “Where Oaks Play Catch with The Sun,” and author of “The Stories Behind Sonoma Valley Place Names,” is a reader. Healdsburg poet laureate and author of “Pool Shoes,” Penelope LaMontagne, will read. Viola Weinburg, Sacramento poet laureate and author of five books of poetry, is a reader. Students Millie Williams and Kira Findling will read, and Paul Flores performs. Poet/playright Timothy Williams will appear. Pegasus Theatre presents the best of their Tapas and Cinnabarr. David Beckman performs from “Becoming Walt Whitman” and Maureen Studer from “Accosted.” Courthouse Square is also the scene for book sales and music.

The Art Bus will once again join the Book Festival to help celebrate creativity and the literary arts. It is a fully equipped mobile art studio and will be conveniently located next to The Children’s Tent. Storyteller “Uncle Dave” is featured in The Children’s Tent as well as Hillary Homzie, Jennifer Caloyeras, Tina Stolberg, and Elisa Klevin.

The Literary Arts Guild produces the Sonoma County Book Festival which is part of the Santa Rosa Arts District. The purpose of Book Fest has always been to encourage literacy. In 2007, the Festival was the recipient of the Merit Award from the city of Santa Rosa. Sponsors this year are O’Reilly Media, the Sonoma County Library, Copperfield’s Books, and The Sitting Room. For a schedule with times and locations visit www.socobookfest.org

Volunteers Needed for 10th Annual Sonoma County Book Festival: Join the team of dedicated organizers and volunteers who make the Sonoma County Book Festival happen seamlessly year after year. For more information, visit www.socobookfest.org/volunteers

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